A parking ramp of possibilities

Conlon Construction looks to Revizto to accelerate its BIM evolution

A concrete parking structure may seem like a simple project, particularly for a firm known for its construction of large complexes, specialty venues, and healthcare developments. For Conlon Construction, the University of Iowa Hawkeye Parking Ramp presented a unique opportunity as it has become a proving ground for the company’s ongoing technology evolution to BIM with help from Revizto.

About Conlon

Founded in 1903, Iowa-based Conlon Construction specializes in construction management with projects across the country.  As the construction manager at-risk responsible for interpreting design through construction, the contractor prides itself on quality and schedule. As part of its technology evolution, the firm has begun to leverage BIM as more than a coordination methodology to better meet the expectations of owners for sophisticated BIM workflows. The introduction of Revizto, an Integrated Collaboration Platform, is helping that transformation to drive collaboration, communication and coordination.

Project overview

The University of Iowa Hawkeye Parking Ramp is a 5-story, cast-in-place concrete parking structure that will span 284,070 sq ft. It was designed by the collaborative team of Shive-Hattery and Walker Consultants. It’s the first time that the University of Iowa has employed the newly approved Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method.

The design incorporates brick circulation towers that the architect says is reminiscent of nearby Kinnick Stadium, and the north and south facades feature an illuminated Tigerhawk logo. The team integrated thin floor slab edges and semi-transparent cladding of woven wire fabric to enhance transparency and safety.

The ramp also incorporates some unique elements, including large underground stormwater tanks that needed to be coordinated with the foundations. As well, the skywalk connection to an existing skyway system presented some potential issues. Wiebel adds, “We’ve also got some tight ceiling plenums and a considerable number of embeds required for a post-tensioned structure.”

To improve coordination, communication and visualization, Conlon put in place Revizto’s cloud-collaboration tool, a BIM-enabling platform that was selected for its easy access to 3D models and issue tracking in the field.

Reaping the benefits of BIM and Revizto

As a 121-year old company, Conlon Construction represents a remarkable synergy between tradition and innovation. Their expertise with state-of-the-art BIM/VDC technology during the parking ramp project has been a great demonstration of their initiative to drive successful projects for their clients. Here are some key Revizto benefits they have gained as they continue to invest in their BIM initiative.

• 3D Visualization

  The ability for Revizto to compress large files into much more manageable sizes, also lends to the nimble 3D environment. Wiebel says, “Ease of use was the first thing that jumped out at me when I tested Revizto in the field. Anybody with a tablet can hit the hot link button to see a 3D model.”

  This ability was especially beneficial for coordination in complex areas around the parking garage such as the skywalk where the steel structure coincided with MEP systems and the stair towers.

  “These areas would have been difficult to coordinate just using 2D drawings. The ability to view the 3D model with the 2D drawings on tablets in the field was greatly beneficial for coordinating with our trade partners,” continues Wiebel.

• Issue Tracking

  For improved communication, transparency and accountability, Conlon took advantage of Revizto’s Issue Tracker tool. Specifically, the tool was used to assign responsibilities in both drawings and 3D models, set deadlines, and generate reports.

  One of the key highlights from Conlon's use of Revizto on the parking ramp project was the ability to identify and address a major issue with the inherited plumbing model.  Upon reviewing the model in Revizto, the field-team discovered a significant 4-foot bust in the slab on grade elevation. By catching this issue early using Revizto's 3D visualization and coordination capabilities, Conlon was able to address the problem before the plumbing was installed in the field. Nanke adds, “Had we not caught this issue early, we faced a substantial amount of rework, an estimated $50,000 in potential costs.”

• Streamlined Communication and Ease-of-Use

  nother advantage that has been realized on the parking garage project is the seamless flow of information between Conlon and the trade partners.

  Since Revizto supports multiple file formats and integrates with popular BIM software, Conlon is able to consolidate and synchronize data—and the overall ease of use by all parties further supports the value.

Ramped up

The Hawkeye Parking Ramp is on track for completion in 2025 and Revizto continues to be the central and essential piece of the workflow. The benefits realized on the parking garage project are now translating to other projects.

According to Weibel, the use of Revizto has aligned well with Conlon's goal of modernizing its construction technology and processes to stay competitive.

He concludes, “As we start to put this technology in practice from design through construction, I believe it will really shine and make a huge difference in our collaborative workflows.”